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Friday, January 13, 2012

Petra Berendsen - Restructured Paper

This is a project I wanted to do since I had seen it in the Cloth Paper Scissors magazine: Restructured Paper using whatever paper and other scraps you have at hand. It was a workshop by Frankie Fioretti and Susan Pickering Rothamel.

I started by making my supply list: lots of scraps, glue, non-sticky mat, brush.

Frankie and Susan recommended to use PPA (Perfect Paper Adhesive) .. which I don't have. I also do not have Modge Podge so I experimented with gel medium and PVA glue which worked fine. (The PVA glued piece buckled a bit but I ironed it later before using it for my art work.)

Then I figured out that my non-sticky mat would not be big enough for the project. I found a substitute in the brown greaseproof paper, the one with the waxy appearance.

I covered the greaseproof paper with the glue and then started the 'fun' part by layering bits and pieces of paper onto the glue and glued a bit more whereever necessary. Very quickly the first paper layer was finished and then various other bits and pieces were added including thread, lace, die-cuts, ....

I allowed the paper to dry over night which was difficult (lol) and then peeled it off the greaseproof paper. The finished 'new' or restructured paper (front and back):

So, having created a new piece of paper ... what can you do with it? I stamped on it, heat embossed it, cut it, layered it, ..... I think the answer is: the choice is yours just get creating! But one word of warning when making restructured paper, you might find that you will never ever be able to throw anything away anymore ever - even the tiniest of scrap (lol) - enjoy, Petra.

I've made these before, Petra, and just remembering the process, as I read your tutorial, brought back a flood of memories about making them. I'm thrilled to see your example, too. It is incredible. You make excellent art and lovely tutorials.

This is amazing, Petra! So do you mean the layer of glue on your greaseproof paper becomes the backing to all the scraps? I can see this could be highly addictive. Also is greaseproof paper something readily available at a craft store? Or maybe regular wax paper from the kitchen would work? I am intrigued!

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